Description

Enjoy all the flavors of classic cabbage rolls without the hassle! These Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls feature savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and tangy tomato sauce cooked together in one easy crockpot meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this comforting dish is simple, hands-off, and full of flavor. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles for a hearty meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 yellow onion, diced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

2 teaspoons dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 small head green cabbage

14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes

6-ounce can tomato paste

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)

1/2 cup water

Optional Variations:

Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option

Add shredded carrots or bell peppers for color and nutrition

Spice it up with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Vegetarian option: substitute cooked lentils or textured vegetable protein

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Instructions

Cook the Beef Mixture:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground beef until just a little pink. Drain excess fat if needed. Add diced onion, thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook 3–5 minutes until onions soften. Transfer to slow cooker.
Prepare the Cabbage:
Chop cabbage into roughly 1-inch pieces and add to the crockpot.
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir until smooth and pour over beef and cabbage in the slow cooker.
Combine and Cook:
Gently mix all ingredients so they’re evenly distributed. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Stir halfway through if possible.
Serve:
Spoon over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.
For a quicker cook, use high for 4–5 hours, but low and slow develops deeper flavor.
Broil briefly at the end for a slightly caramelized top if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker
Category: Main Dish / Slow Cooker
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food